NEMO reports: Fires devastate over 6,000 acres of farmland and destroy ten homes in Toledo

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: On Thursday, residents in Western Belize were grateful for the showers of blessings that doused the fires raging in several communities.

However, the fires continue to destroy farms in Southern Belize.

The Disaster Risk Management team highlighted the extensive impact of the disaster.

National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) coordinator Daniel Mendez attributed the unprecedented forest fires to climate change, citing prolonged high temperatures and minimal rainfall as catalysts.

“We noted that continuous high temperatures and low rainfall across the country increases the likelihood of fires across the country. In the Toledo District in particular, we saw there were localized fires which developed near the San Pedro Columbia area and these increased significantly during the period for May 14 to 17. There were also significant increases in central and southern Toledo throughout the period…the peak temperatures is actually when we saw most of the fires that started to develop. You will see there are record highs of 107 degrees in the Central Farm area and this of course was a similar trend across the country. So that in combination with the low rainfall created that condition,” Mendez explained.

Mendez emphasized the ongoing damage assessments, revealing that over 400 families in 28 communities across the Toledo District have been affected, with at least 6,000 acres of farmland damaged.

The toll on livelihoods and the environment is substantial, with 10 houses destroyed in two communities.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Development deployed assets across the country, clearing fire passes in affected regions.

Damage assessment teams are active in the Toledo District, gathering data and providing aid.

Despite challenges, NEMO expressed confidence in short-term relief efforts.

The Belize Red Cross has mobilized volunteers, offering aid and psychosocial support to affected individuals.

With collaborative efforts, NEMO aims to mitigate the immediate impacts of the disaster and support affected communities in their recovery.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2024, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.